Break the ice
Have you ever talked to anyone who was famous? Who was it and what did you say?
Small group questions
- Can you relate to feeling like you do not know what to say when you pray? How?
- Which of the four types of prayer we talked about praying, search me, stretch me, use me, fill me, do you think is the most difficult to pray for you? Why?
- Read Psalm 139:23-24. After reading these verses, what do you think it means for God to search us? Why do you think It’s important that God searches us?
23Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
- Looking back at these verses, why do you think we can we trust God to lead us? In what area of your life do you need God’s leadership?
- Read Acts 4:29-30. This was a time when Jesus’ followers faced a lot of persecution because of their faith. What surprises you about this prayer they prayed when they heard about the persecution that was happening?
29And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
- What is valuable about asking God to stretch or use you?
- What is one way this week that God might be able to use or stretch you this week?
Moving forward
At the end of your group, pass out pieces of paper or 3 x 5 cards to each person. Write on your cards the words: Search Me, Stretch Me, Lead Me and Use Me. Then, put the verse from Psalm 139:23-24. Put the card in a place where you will see it when you pray. If you don’t ever write things on paper, we get it. We don’t live in a one room schoolhouse culture anymore. Maybe go to the notes section in your phone and write these words, or, even better, go onto social media and post the verse with the words Search Me, Stretch Me, Lead Me and Use Me. Then share with your group one of these prayers that you want to focus on this week. When you come back next week, share with each other how God worked in your life as you focused on one of these prayers.
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